It is no mystery that we at JLN are huge fans of games, but this recommendation is about getting together with other families for a multi-hour gaming extravaganza. Just add some food and everybody wins!

For adults, it is a chance to relax and play some games (a rarity for many of us). For children, it is a chance to play games with other people, cross ages (older kids playing some younger games and vice versa), and play games with other adults. Plus, including multiple families means new games, and children pretty universally love OPT (other people’s toys).

At the Joyful Learning Network we highlighted the importance of family dinners in a recent JLN newsletter, but it is worth bringing back as an FTIP because it is so important. Modern life in America is hectic, but setting a standard (or at least a routine) for family dinners can pay off in a number of ways:

- helping create a stable environment for your children
- helping establish a healthy lifestyle
- helping with your child’s health and nutrition
- providing an opportunity for discussion and getting to know each other
- letting your kid/s know that you want to spend time with them
… and so much more.

There are many terrific resources for family dinners, again a few of these are highlighted in weekly wave #5 - check it out!